Giants Lack Clutch Hit in Loss to Nationals

SAN FRANCISCO — It was the same story, just with a slight twist on the ending.This time, the Giants threatened late, loading the bases and scoring a run. But once again, for the 10th time in 12 games since the All-Star break, they took a loss. After a 1-7 road trip, they have lost three of four back at home. For most of Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals, AT&T Park was rather lifeless. Light Streaking Across Sky Was Chinese Rocket's Re-entry That changed in the ninth when Jonathan Papelbon, who has the Nationals even more desperate for a late-inning arm than the Giants, put two on with one out in a three-run game. Oliver Perez loaded the bases and an error scored a run and kept them packed. But Denard Span struck out against his old team and Angel Pagan swung through the final pitch of the night."We did such a good job in the ninth battling back," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We could have used a big hit there … We dodged a lot of bullets and just couldn't quite finish it. It would have done a lot for the club." Oakland Police Arrest Suspect Who Allegedly Shot at Sergeant The Giants went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. On the other side, the Nationals...